A deadly aviation accident at Muan International Airport in South Korea has resulted in 179 fatalities and is the deadliest aviation accident since 2018. In a surprising move, the country’s transport minister, Park Sang-woo, announced his intention to resign due to “heavy responsibility for this disaster.” The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
According to officials, the concrete structure at the end of the runway contributed significantly to the accident. Localizer antenna placement and runway design were found to be inadequate, resulting in limited space for the aircraft to stop upon overrun. However, concerns about the minister’s timing have been raised, as the investigation has not yet concluded.
Experts note that the culture in South Korea prioritizes optics and personal responsibility over premature conclusions. This phenomenon was seen in Japan Airlines’ CEO taking a bus to work during a period of financial struggles.
The investigation into the cause of the crash continues, with officials focusing on why the pilots attempted to land without deploying their gear. The recovered flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder will likely provide more insight into the events surrounding the accident.
While opinions vary regarding the minister’s resignation, many agree that it highlights a need for improved training in crew operations and Air Traffic Control procedures.
Source: https://onemileatatime.com/news/south-korea-transport-minister-resigns-jeju-air-crash